What is Psychology?
The purpose of this is to help you to understand what psychology is and how it differs from the popular ideas that most people have. You probably had some of the same misconceptions as you began this course. In your paper, address all of the following:
Look for the scientific definition of psychology in your textbook/notes. Write down this definition and explain the definition in your own words.
Ask 3 people who are not currently enrolled in a general psychology course to define psychology and to describe what psychologists study. You can ask your family, friends, or students NOT enrolled in general psychology. Record each of their responses verbatim (word for word). After each person’s response, include their age, sex, and educational level.
In a few paragraphs, compare the responses of your respondents to the scientific definition given in the text. Be sure to address the following:
- What were some of the common elements or ideas in the answers given by your respondents?
- How do the popular notions about psychology given by your respondents differ from the scientific definition given in the text?
- What were the major misconceptions that your respondents had about psychology?
